June 2009

It’s been a big news for a few days now that Roger Federer, the current Number 2 in the world tennis ranking in 2009, won his first French Open title.It’s not just his first French Open title but his 14th Grand Slam title which tied Pete Samprase’s record at last. And at the same time, he became the 6th man in history achieving the career Grand Slam.Now it is no doubt that he’s become the best tennis player ever in history.

Looking back through the tournament, there were a lot of dramas.Djokovic, to start with, lost in an early stage (3rd round) to Kohlschreiber in straight sets, andNadal was upset by Soderling in the 4th round, contrary to all expectations to win the 5th French title in a row.Murray was not the exception. He lost to Gonzalez in the quarter final in 4 sets .

So the winning road was pretty much open to anybody then, and it seemed so natural for Roger to win this time because He had lost to Nadal 3 times in a row in the finals from ‘06 to ‘08.Obviously, all the expectations were turned to Federer.

But it wasn’t easy at all.Roger seemed off balance and struggled to win in almost every match until he advanced to the final, knowing his rivals fell one after another.But, you know, it’s Roger. He came up with extremely great shots and serves just in time to turn things around.

The opponent in the final was Robin Soderling ranked 23.He was the one who beat Nadal, Davydenko and Gonzalez and was already a hero.He looked unbeatable with his strong forehand winners and big serves.

But again, Roger is Roger.He knew how to play against Soderling.He had 9 winning streaks against him.He never made him feel comfortable during the match. He kept the bounces low,made him play way back from the baseline and finished with amazing drop shots.That was incredible.It looked like beautiful art work to me.

Now our whole attention moves to Wimbledon.What drama will be waiting for them?Can Roger come back to No 1?Don’t miss it.

I was shocked into silence last night.Rafa (Rafael Nadal) the king of clay, who is the present world No1and the defending champion, has lost on clay.He couldn't even reach the quarter final.

This was his first loss at Roland Garros, Paris, in four yearssince he won his first Grand Slam on his first French Open four years ago."You need a defeat to give value to your victories." he said.He is such a great player. I feel for him.

Good thing is that his unexpected loss gave Roger a chance to win the title.He has won 13 Grand Slams but never won this one.But it's not an easy task. Anything could happen on this clay court.

Murray, the world No. four, for example, is still there.He's been keeping up his strength and he looks very confident when he plays.

But Roger・・・ he knows how to win in the big occasions like this.The both player will meet at the final if they win a couple of more matches.